Fordfield House Nursery & After School Club

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 07/01/2004 Inspector Name Paula Durrant

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Fordfield House Nursery Ltd. Setting Address Fordfield Road Millbrook Bedford Bedfordshire MK45 2HZ

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name Fordfield House Nursery Ltd 4584410

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Fordfield House Nursery Ltd Address Fordfield Road Millbrook Bedford Bedfordshire MK45 2HZ

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care in accordance with the National Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding; and that the nursery education for funded three and four year old children is of an acceptable quality. Inspection of nursery education also identifies strengths and weaknesses so that providers can improve the quality of educational provision and help children to achieve the early learning goals (elgs) by the end of the Foundation Stage. This inspection report must be made available to all parents. If the setting has been inspected previously, an action plan will have been drawn up to tackle issues identified. This inspection, therefore, must also assess what progress has been made in the implementation of this plan.

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Information about the setting

Fordfield House Nursery Limited was established in 1988 and is situated in the rural village of Millbrook. The nursery is a limited company and offers extended hours for working parents. The Nursery offers childcare and early years education for a total of 70 children between the ages of six weeks to five years. It operates 48 weeks per year, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 08:00 until 18:00. The nursery also provide an after school facility incorporated into the nursery site for school aged children. The nursery accommodation comprises of five classrooms, an office, toilet block and a kitchen, which is internally linked to the main family home. There is a secure outside play area. A special feature of the nursery is it's setting in a six-acre paddock and adjoining woodland. These natural surroundings are used to support the six areas of learning. There are 26 nursery staff that work directly with the children all of whom are

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Information about the setting

qualified. In addition, a kitchen manager and assistant housekeeper support the effectiveness of the nursery's daily operation, working in partnership with staff to assist with non-curriculum duties. The manager is supernumerary. At the time of the inspection, a total of 83 children attend the nursery. Eight four year olds and 23 three year olds are in receipt of Government Funding. The group also provide out of school care in which an additional 9 children are on roll. There are no funded children with special educational needs or English as a second language.

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How good is the Day Care?

Fordfield Nursery provides good quality care overall for young children. The nursery have a thorough understanding of their registration requirements. There are effective systems in place for recruitment and staff retention is high.

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How good is the Day Care?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 There is a thorough operational plan. Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed. Staff are deployed effectively with ratios being higher than the required guidelines. All staff are qualified. Children have access to a broad range of interesting activities,and play is purposeful and productive. Children understand what is expected of them in terms of acceptable behaviour. Staff engage well with the children and actively document developmental progress. The nursery operates from a converted home setting. There are defined areas for specific age groups where all necessary safety precautions are in place. The premises is secure and access is monitored effectively. The nursery have a excellent range of resources that are well maintained and

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How good is the Day Care?

provide suitable challenge for all age groups. Children's independence is encouraged through accessing resources independently. There are good, regularly reviewed systems in place to monitor potential risks. There are effective hygiene procedures in place which are actively promoted by all staff. The nursery are vigilant and sensitive to the needs of children who are unwell. There are systems in place to document accidents and the administration of medication. The nursery have a healthy and nutritious approach to their dietary provision. Meals are cooked on site and consideration is given to the needs of young babies. All children are welcomed and individual needs are met in accordance with parents wishes. The nursery actively provide care for children with defined needs and are confident in their practice. Parents remain well informed and there are structures in place to circulate information regularly.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the nursery have revised their risk assessments inclusive of access, fire department requirements and monitoring and removal of potentially harmful plants within the garden area. They have increased their resources and altered their practice to ensure opportunities for children to self select equipment are provided within the daily routine.

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What is being done well?

• The nursery promote a family orientated team. Teamwork is very evident throughout. All staff are valued and respected for their individual strengths, staff work well together. • Consideration is given to the daily organisation in order to support the implementation of the key worker system. Staff are accessible at both the

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 beginning and end of the day to exchange information with parents and carers. • Staff engage well with the children to support and extend developmental progress, this is monitored effectively. There are thorough assessment records in place for all age groups. The nursery are currently expanding their practice to incorporate the new Sure Start programme for Under three's. • The environment is suitably adapted for the needs of young children. Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment for children and carers. All areas are bright and cheerful with an array of child orientated displays. It is obvious that staff give due consideration to the presentation of children's art work. • The nursery have actively developed their resources . They do not only

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What is being done well?

provide manufactured toys but also make use of man made and natural equipment such as the treasure baskets in the under two's. Resources reflect positive images throughout all areas. • Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of safety procedures. A thorough induction programme and training attendance that is then actively cascaded down supports ongoing staff development in this subject area. All staff are vigilant. • Staff were observed as being consistent in their hygiene practice. They adhere to children's individual care needs confidently and with integrity. There are effective systems to document medication administered, this is always undertaken by a senior staff member. • All meals are prepared and cooked from natural raw ingredients. There is a full time cook employed. The nursery also promote a separate weaning menu. • The nursery are integrated in their practice.

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An aspect of outstanding practice:

Staff's dedication and committment to the provision and their integrity and confidence in their childcare practice.

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What needs to be improved?

• Continue with the implementation of the Sure Start Birth programme evolving assessment profiles that reflect the quality of planning and subsequently shows that children are making successful progress

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Outcome of the inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 3 Continue with the implementation of the Sure Start Birth programme evolving assessment profiles that reflect the quality of planning and subsequently shows that children are making successful progress.

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by the time of the next inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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How effective is the nursery education?

The provision for nursery education at Fordfield House Nursery is of high quality. It enables children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. The quality of teaching is very good. Staff plan a wide variety of interesting and practical activities, both inside and outside. They have a clear understanding of the aims of the activity and their expectations for children's learning. Resources are of good quality and well organised for the children to be independent learners and to extend the learning for the more able children. Children's language is skilfully developed by the staff through the use of open-ended questioning to encourage them to find things out, to talk about the activities they are engaged in and extend their understanding, as well as to relate past memories and talk about their life outside nursery. Group activity times are well presented and enthusiastic,

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How effective is the nursery education?

challenging and extending the abilities of all the children. Effective assessments are made in all six areas of learning, which are suitably evaluated against the stepping stones and early learning goals. This provides a secure basis for future planning and gives a clear picture of the children's progress to share with the parents. The leadership and management of the nursery is very good. A committed staff team have been developed by the owner and manager, who have a collaborative approach to all aspects of their work. A formal annual appraisal system is in place, which allows monitoring and evaluation of the quality of teaching. Staff are encouraged to attend courses both externally and internally to ensure their knowledge and understanding is as current as possible. The partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents spend time talking to staff informally about their children and are kept well informed about forthcoming

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How effective is the nursery education?

events through newsletters and notices. Parents wishes are accommodated as far as possible.

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What is being done well?

• Staff have a good relationship with the children and are skilled at developing their understanding and extending their learning and skills. • Staff are skilled at integrating the six areas of leaning into the play opportunities offered and therefore enabling the children to make effective progress as learners. • Music and movement are integrated and well placed in the sessions, encouraging the use of imagination and skills. • The use of key question cards with the older children ensures staff focus on

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What is being done well?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 the aim of the activity and know how to adapt it to meet the needs of all the children.

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What needs to be improved?

• No areas for improvement have been identified.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

The nursery has continued to evaluate and adjust their practice to ensure the highest possible standard of care is offered.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children demonstrate a high level of concentration and are beginning to make relationships and play collaboratively. They are confident learners who are both independent and keen to persist with difficult tasks. Children are able to choose between pre-selected and self selected activities and are learning to take care of their personal needs. Their behaviour is good and they are considerate and polite to others.

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COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

Judgement: Very Good Children are keen communicators and listeners. They listen well to stories and at group time. Good use is made of print through displays, labels and books. They have many opportunities to explore sounds and letters and demonstrate a good understanding and ability. Some older children are able to write letters correctly from sounds and have made labels for the displays. Most children are able to recognise their name and many opportunities are given to explore pre-writing skills.

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MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are given lots of opportunities to count in a variety of different situations. They are able to count to at least ten and can recognise shapes, colours and sizes. Simple calculation is integrated into their play and group time,and reinforced daily through the daily routine and counting the children present. Weight and capacity is introduced through practical experiences like cookery, sand and water and there are many opportunities for pattern making.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Judgement: Very Good Good use is made of the locality to stimulate the children's knowledge of their environment and the natural world. They observe the weather daily and observe the changes in the environment. Children are able to make models from construction kits and natural materials with increasing skill. They are developing an understanding about other cultures and beliefs.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children are set a variety of challenges, both indoors and outdoors. They are developing skills of balancing, throwing, hopping, running and skipping, and have the opportunity to extend these whole body movements into climbing and jumping. Children are developing good hand eye co-ordination through the use of a variety of equipment to enable cutting, drawing, and painting.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Judgement: Very Good Children show a good use of their imagination in their creative play. They participate enthusiastically in music sessions and can tap simple rhythms and use percussion instruments, distinguishing between loud and soft sounds. They have many varied opportunities to draw freely and are learning to apply paint in different ways. Role play provides varied interesting play opportunities that enhance the children's knowledge of everyday situations.

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Children's spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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OUTCOME OF THE INSPECTION

The provision is acceptable and is of high quality. Children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals. The next inspection will take place in three to four years time.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

There are no significant weaknesses to report, but considerations should be given to improving the following: • There are no signignificant weaknesses to report, but consideration should be given to the following: • In order to maintain the high standards achieved, the nursery should continue to monitor and review the quality of the educational provision.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

The provider must draw up an action plan within 40 working days of receipt of this report showing how the key issues detailed above will be addressed. The action plan must be made available to all parents and to the Local Authority if required. An evaluation of the action taken will form part of the next inspection of funded nursery education.

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WHAT THE SETTING NEEDS TO DO NEXT

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000; and Section 122 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998

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